The Olympics & Pilgrim Disipleship: Going For The Prize

The 2012 Olympic Games are over, and the participating athletes can be proud oftheir contributions. I thoroughly enjoyed the Olympic Games, because they were fun, exciting and inspiring.

The Olympic athletes engage in daily training that goes on for a period ofyears. They train diligently, because they want to win the prize; they want to win the gold. Not everyone wins gold, because some win silver, or bronze or nothing at all. Each Olympic athlete, however, has the satisfaction of having participated in the Olympics. Perhaps that is something of a prize in itself.

Yet, I sense that there is great satisfaction, even in the very process of going for the gold. Going for the gold is a challenge that takes courage, inspiration, hard work and long term commitment. There is no room for slackers among the Olympic competitors.

I am reminded of Paul’s words when I consider the stiff competition among Olympic athletes. Consider these words: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14) Olympic athletes work diligently, putting in many hours of practice and preparation. There is an ultimate desire to win the prize, the gold. Some athletes never win a medal, to say nothing of winning the gold. They prepare, however, with the hope that he/she will win the gold.

The Christian life is about pressing on toward the goal. The journey is a response to Jesus Christ and his call. The faith journey is about faithful participation in pilgrim discipleship, even when the path is difficult. Our hope is in Christ Jesus, the solid rock. Now that is an awesome prize. Jesus Christ is available to all who seek him and receive him.